Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 196 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 196 2009 has the edge at 3 lbs dry weight versus 554 lbs for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 196 2009 tops out at 225 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many passengers can the Chaparral SSi 196 2009 carry?

The Chaparral SSi 196 2009 has an official capacity rating of 9 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Chaparral SSi 196 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2009?

The Chaparral SSi 196 2009 has the bigger tank at 32 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 24-gallon difference translates to roughly 72–120 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 196 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 196 2009 are built by Chaparral. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 196 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 196 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 196 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 196 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 has a 200-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 196 2009's 225-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral SSi 196 2009 carries 32 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral SSi 196 2009 with its 225-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model255 SSi Sportboat

ModelSSi 196

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches96

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise18℃

Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)

Weight - Detail3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg)

Weight - kg2512.9

Weight - kg1360.78

Weight - lbs.554

Weight - lbs.3

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]19 ft. 6 in. (5.94 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Tower: 4 ft. 7 in. (1.4 m) With Tower: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in. (33 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.33

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches13

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (81 cm)

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches32

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters5.94

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet19

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail32 gal. (121 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal32

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max225 hp (168 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 4.3L GL SX 190 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Headnot available

Headroom4 ft. 5 in

Headroomnot available

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,260 lbs. (571.5 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people9

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 196 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 196 2009 has the edge at 3 lbs dry weight versus 554 lbs for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 196 2009 tops out at 225 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many passengers can the Chaparral SSi 196 2009 carry?

The Chaparral SSi 196 2009 has an official capacity rating of 9 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Chaparral SSi 196 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2009?

The Chaparral SSi 196 2009 has the bigger tank at 32 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 24-gallon difference translates to roughly 72–120 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 196 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 196 2009 are built by Chaparral. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 196 2009 full specs